Football Careers

David Barber - FA Librarian

David Barber has the distinction of being the Football Association's librarian. He has worked at the FA for 26 years and has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the English game.

How I Started - Stadium Achitect

Rod Sheard is Chief Executive of HOK+Lobb Architects, the world's leading sports stadium architects. HOK+Lobb were the architects behind Stadium Australia, the main venue used in the Sydney 2000 Olympics they are also involved in the construction of the new Wembley Stadium.

How I Started - Female Referee

In 1999, Wendy Toms officiated the Nationwide Conference match between Kidderminster and Nuneaton with two female assistant referees, the first time in the senior professional game that all three officials were women. Wendy is the only female assistant referee in the English FA Carling Premiership and Nationwide League.

How I Started - Groundsman

Richard White is the Head Groundsman at the English club, Plymouth Argyle FC, in the South West of England. His main duty is to maintain and cultivate the club's pitch at their Home Park stadium.

How I Started - Community Officer

Fraser Foster oversees the full range of activities that the club carries out as part of it's Football in the Community Project. At Barnsley this includes a free in-school coaching programme, education days at Barnsley's ground, Oakwell, Saturday clubs, birthday treats, ground tours, holiday courses, teacher training days and an after school club for the Barnsley's really young fans, known as 'Toby Tykes."

How I Started - Media Relations Officer

Nick Barron is 25, and works as a Media Relations Officer for the Football Association. He joined the Football Association in August 1997, working on England's campaign to host the 2006 World Cup.

How I Started - Journalist / Editor

Hugh Sleight, Deputy Editor of Match Football Magazine goes under the microscope to give us an unside line on what it takes to get into and get ahead in the world of football publishing.

How I Started - Coach

Hope Powell is National Team Coach for the England Women's senior team as well as the Under-16 and Under-18 squads. An accomplished player who gained over 60 England caps before retiring in 1988, Hope has been England coach since 1998.

How I Started - Chief Executive

David Taylor is Chief Executive of the Scottish Football Association and has been since the summer of 1999. Scotland has one of the highest number of football supporters per head of population in the world. David's role is key in regulating the game; encouraging participation; and marketing the game. David's also a keen player himself.